The
feeding behaviour of Asiatic elephant (Elephas maximus) with food
reference was studied in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha during 2007 to
2009. Though the study area houses a good number of plant species only 71
species were identified as elephant fodder plants. The food trail of
elephant was observed as twig breaking, bark peeling, branch breaking, stem
twisting uprooting and flower plucking in different regions of study area
during different seasons. Alteration of predominantly browsing strategy with
that of grazing around the year was related to seasonal variation of food
plants. Consumption of tree species (56%) was highest as compared to shrubs
(20%), herbs (14%) and climbers (10%). A high degree of variation in dicot-
monocot ratio (61:10)) was marked during identification of elephant fodder
plant by direct observation. Microscopic analysis of dung showing a high
degree of variation in average dicot- monocot ratio suggested that the food
plant selection of elephant was highly opportunistic and seasonal. The
elephants extensively fed on the plant species like Careya arborea, Kydia
calycina, Helicteres isora, Mallotus philippinensis, Aegle marmelos, Zizyphus
mauritiana, Bauhinia racemosa, Bauhinia vahlii, Mimosa pudica, Asparagus
racemosus, Smilax zeylanica and Diosporea species. They were fond of Madhuca
indica (Mahula) flowers in winter and fruits of Mangifera indica
(Mango) in summer. They were never found feeding on Tectona grandis
and Eucalyptus maculate inside the study area.